The the beginning of the American Revolution, it must be remembered, there was no American Government outside of those meeting in Philadelphia.  Local Towns and Cities were still being run by Magistrates appointed by the British Government.  They might not have always been what the the British had expected:

Richard [Van Wyck] served in the French and Indian War and was Chairman of the Vigilance Committee in the Town in the time of the American Revolution. He was also a Civil Magistrate during that eventful period. One day an individual who cried out "God Save the King" was suddenly collared and assaulted by an ardent Whig. When the complaint was made before Judge Van Wyck, he administered justice in this wise: "You have committed the offense", said he addressing the prisoner, "and more than that you have violated the law. It is furthermore my duty as Magistrate to fine you. I therefore fine you one cent." Putting his hand into his pocket he [Judge Van Wyck] drew out a penney. "There", he said, "I'll pay your fine" to the prisoner. To the bystanders he added "The next time he cries out "God Save the King" do you give him an outright flogging and I will pay you for that." - the Van Wyck Genealogy

April 18, 1775, 11 days after the battle of Lexington, the residence of New York City circulated a Pledge of Allegiance to the American Revolution to ascertain the sentiment of the people of the State of New York. First to sign from Beekman Precinct, Dutchess County in July 1775 was Theodorus Van Wyck, followed by Richard, William, Theodorus Jr., Cornelius R., and Abraham Van Wyck and 495 others of the Precinct.

08/25/2007